MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis Tolentino on Saturday urged schools to consider granting an early Christmas break to help ease the anticipated holiday traffic.
Speaking on a radio show interview, the senator said an order to schedule the Christmas break early would really be a big help since schools have a huge impact on traffic.
“Ngayong kapaskuhan, ang nakikita ko sa mga school authorities agahan ang [Christmas vacation]. Oo, kasi malaki rin ang epekto rin ‘yan," Tolentino said.
Tolentino, who was the former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman presented his possible solutions to the anticipated traffic situation during the Christmas season.
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Tolentino also suggested adjusting the mall hours and allowing government employees to work with a flexible schedule.
He said, "I almost recommended to the Civil Service [Commission] to issue a resolution on flexi hours. They said they will look into it."
The senator, however, admitted that such measures are only short-terms solutions. H reiterated the importance of finding long-term solutions
Tolentino said the senators already agreed with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) decision that it will no longer insist on the proposed emergency powers for President Duterte to solve the traffic gridlock.
Personally, Tolentino said he believes the emergency powers are necessary, especially following the fire at the Light Rail Transit 2 last Thursday.
“The repair will take nine months to one year, so maybe the emergency powers are necessary…Maybe the DOTr would reconsider and insist again the emergency powers act,” Tolentino said.
“But if that is their position, the Senate committee will no longer pursue it,” he noted.
Last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared to start the Christmas break early. Instead of December 22, Christmas vacation began on December 15.
As of DepEd's current 2019 calendar, Christmas break will begin on December 15 (Sunday) and will resume on January 6 (Monday). READ: DepEd releases school calendar for SY 2019-2020.
— Sally, The Summit Express
Speaking on a radio show interview, the senator said an order to schedule the Christmas break early would really be a big help since schools have a huge impact on traffic.
“Ngayong kapaskuhan, ang nakikita ko sa mga school authorities agahan ang [Christmas vacation]. Oo, kasi malaki rin ang epekto rin ‘yan," Tolentino said.
Tolentino, who was the former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman presented his possible solutions to the anticipated traffic situation during the Christmas season.
SEE ALSO
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Tolentino also suggested adjusting the mall hours and allowing government employees to work with a flexible schedule.
He said, "I almost recommended to the Civil Service [Commission] to issue a resolution on flexi hours. They said they will look into it."
The senator, however, admitted that such measures are only short-terms solutions. H reiterated the importance of finding long-term solutions
Tolentino said the senators already agreed with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) decision that it will no longer insist on the proposed emergency powers for President Duterte to solve the traffic gridlock.
Personally, Tolentino said he believes the emergency powers are necessary, especially following the fire at the Light Rail Transit 2 last Thursday.
“The repair will take nine months to one year, so maybe the emergency powers are necessary…Maybe the DOTr would reconsider and insist again the emergency powers act,” Tolentino said.
“But if that is their position, the Senate committee will no longer pursue it,” he noted.
Last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared to start the Christmas break early. Instead of December 22, Christmas vacation began on December 15.
As of DepEd's current 2019 calendar, Christmas break will begin on December 15 (Sunday) and will resume on January 6 (Monday). READ: DepEd releases school calendar for SY 2019-2020.
— Sally, The Summit Express
